Proverbs 25:18
Proverbs 25:18 in Multiple Translations
Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
One who gives false witness against his neighbour is a hammer and a sword and a sharp arrow.
Telling lies in court against a friend is like attacking them with a mace, or a sword, or an arrow.
A man that beareth false witnes against his neighbour, is like an hammer and a sword, and a sharpe arrowe.
A maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, [Is] the man testifying against his neighbour a false testimony.
A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour, is like a dart and a sword and a sharp arrow.
To falsely accuse others in court is like [SIM] attacking them with a war-club or a sword or a sharp arrow.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 25:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵפִ֣יץ
וְ֭/חֶרֶב
וְ/חֵ֣ץ
שָׁנ֑וּן
אִ֥ישׁ
עֹנֶ֥ה
בְ֝/רֵעֵ֗/הוּ
עֵ֣ד
שָֽׁקֶר
מֵפִ֣יץ
mêphîyts
H4650
war-club
N-ms
וְ֭/חֶרֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Conj | N-fs
וְ/חֵ֣ץ
chêts
H2671
arrow
Conj | N-ms
שָׁנ֑וּן
shânan
H8150
to sharpen
V-Qal-Inf-c
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
עֹנֶ֥ה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal
בְ֝/רֵעֵ֗/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
עֵ֣ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:18
מֵפִ֣יץ
mêphîyts
H4650
"war-club"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a strong club used in war, like a mallet or hammer, to break things. It appears in the book of Proverbs, describing a violent person. The word is used to convey intense force.
Definition: scattering war club
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: maul. See also: Proverbs 25:18.
וְ֭/חֶרֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Conj | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וְ/חֵ֣ץ
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
Conj | N-ms
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
שָׁנ֑וּן
shânan
H8150
"to sharpen"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To sharpen means to make something pointy or to teach someone a lesson. In Psalm 52:2, the tongue is sharpened like a sword, showing its power to hurt or help.
Definition: 1) to sharpen, whet 1a) (Qal) to whet, sharpen 1b) (Piel) to sharpen, teach (incisively) 1c)(Hithpolel) to be pierced
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: prick, sharp(-en), teach diligently, whet. See also: Deuteronomy 6:7; Psalms 73:21; Psalms 45:6.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עֹנֶ֥ה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בְ֝/רֵעֵ֗/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
עֵ֣ד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
שָֽׁקֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:18
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
16If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.
17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he grow weary and hate you.
18Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
19Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble. 20Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 57:4 | My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts— with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:18 | Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. |
| 3 | James 3:6 | The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 9:8 | Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him. |
| 5 | Psalms 120:3–4 | What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue? Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree! |
| 6 | Jeremiah 9:3 | “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. |
| 7 | Psalms 52:2 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. |
| 8 | Proverbs 24:28 | Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips. |
| 9 | Psalms 140:3 | They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah |
| 10 | Psalms 55:21 | His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
Proverbs 25:18 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 25:18, warns us about the dangers of lying or giving false testimony about someone, which can hurt them deeply, just like a club, sword, or sharp arrow can cause physical harm. We should always try to be truthful and honest in what we say about others, as this is a key part of loving our neighbors as ourselves, as taught in Mark 12:31 and Romans 13:9. By being mindful of the impact of our words, we can build stronger, more trusting relationships with those around us, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32. Remember, our words have the power to either hurt or help others, so let's choose to use them to build each other up, as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to bear false witness against someone?
To bear false witness means to lie or give false testimony about someone, which can cause harm to their reputation or well-being, as seen in Proverbs 25:18 and also warned against in Exodus 20:16 and Deuteronomy 19:16-19.
Why is bearing false witness compared to a club, sword, or sharp arrow?
The comparison is made to convey the severity of the harm caused by false witness, just as these objects can cause physical harm, false witness can cause emotional and relational harm, as noted in Proverbs 25:18 and also in Psalm 52:2-4 where the tongue is compared to a sharp sword.
How can we avoid bearing false witness against our neighbors?
We can avoid bearing false witness by being truthful and honest in all our interactions, as instructed in Colossians 3:9-10, and by being mindful of the impact of our words on others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32.
What are the consequences of bearing false witness?
The consequences of bearing false witness can be severe, including damage to relationships, loss of trust, and even physical harm, as seen in the story of Naboth in 1 Kings 21:1-16, where false witness led to the death of an innocent man.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be bearing false witness against others, even unintentionally, and how can I correct this?
- How can I use my words to build others up instead of tearing them down, as encouraged in Proverbs 12:18 and Ephesians 4:29?
- What are some situations where I may be tempted to bear false witness, and how can I prepare myself to resist this temptation, as warned against in Proverbs 25:18?
- How can I cultivate a heart of truthfulness and honesty in my interactions with others, as instructed in Psalm 15:1-5 and Matthew 5:33-37?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:18
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour,.... In whose house he has often been, and whom he has frequently visited; and, observing what was done there, not only discovers and tells
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:18
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. A maul - a heavy hammer or mace used in war (Jeremiah 50:23, note; 51:20; 2:1); literally, that which scatters in pieces (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:18
Is as cruel and pernicious to him as any instrument of death. The design of the proverb is to show the wickedness of slander, and that a false witness is in some respect as bad as a murderer.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:18
Proverbs 25:18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour [is] a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.Ver. 18. Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow] A "maul," hammer, or club, to knock out his brains, and make them fly about the room, as the Hebrew word imports. A "sword," or murdering weapon, to run him through and let out his bowels. And a "sharp arrow," to pierce his flesh, and strike through his very heart. Lo, here the mischief of an evil tongue, thin, broad, and long, like a sword to let out the life blood of the poor innocent - nay, to destroy his soul too, as seducers do that bear false witness against the truth of God, and by their cunning lies "deceive the hearts of the simple."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:18
(18) A maul—i.e., hammer, connected with “malleus” and “mallet.” A false witness is as mischievous as the most deadly weapons.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:18
18. a maul] “i.e. a hammer, a variation of mall, from malleus … The Hebrew and English alike occur in Proverbs 25:18 only. But a derivative from the same root, and differing only slightly in form, is found in Jeremiah 51:20, and is there translated by ‘battle-axe’ (or maul, R.V. marg.)—how incorrectly is shown by the constant repetition of the verb derived from the same root in the next three verses, and there uniformly rendered ‘break in pieces’ … There is no doubt that some heavy warlike instrument, a mace or club, is alluded to; probably such as that which is said to have suggested the name of Charles Martel.… A similar word is found once again in the original of Eze 9:2=‘weapon of smashing’ (A.V. and R.V. text, ‘slaughter-weapon).’ The sequel shows how terrible was the destruction such weapons could effect.”—Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Art. Maul. See note in this Series on Jeremiah 51:20. It is difficult to see why in this and the following verse (though not in Proverbs 25:14, or Proverbs 25:26,) R.V. should have followed A.V. in inverting the order of the two clauses in the Hebrew.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:18
Maul - A heavy sledge hammer. The word is connected with “malleus:” its diminutive “mallet” is still in use.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:18
18. A maul — Or a war club. As these were offensive and injurious weapons, so a false witness is among the most pernicious of men.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Secret of Victory by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fully dedicating oneself to God. He shares the story of a preacher who chose to retire and move away when he was diagnosed |
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My Heart Is Fixed by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of praising God and the importance of having a fixed heart. He shares a personal testimony of being healed through praising the Lo |
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(Proverbs) ch.11:12 - 12:21 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of honesty and truthfulness in our words and actions. He highlights that telling lies can lead to trouble and that honesty is |
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Learn From Christ's Speech and How He Spoke by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the transformation from the old Gentile ways to learning Christ, focusing on speaking with gentleness, knowing when to be silent, and speaking the Word of Go |
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Careless Words by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the weight of our words, warning that every idle word we speak is recorded and will be accounted for on the day of judgment. He shares a personal experie |
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A Matter of Life and Death! by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the profound impact of our words in his sermon 'A Matter of Life and Death!', drawing parallels between fire and the tongue. He illustrates how words can hu |
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The Home Conversation by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical role of conversation in the home, arguing that while families invest in physical comforts and education, they often neglect the power of their w |